Girls softball team smashes into the season with an overall record of 8-4.

The  softball team is off to a successful start thanks to tremendous amounts of work and effort to keep their team ahead and the spirit alive, win or lose.    

Freshman Sofia Deffendall, number 21, who plays third  base, has a batting average of .412 and a fielding average is .857. 

“I think we are off to a great start this year being undefeated in our division so far,” Deffendall said. “We are working together as a team to get these wins. Considering we only have 11 players in total, I think everybody stands out and does their job defensively and offensively.”

The team is building upon its strengths.

“We have a super good team bond and good communication,” Defendall said. “Our defense is progressively getting better. I’ve always loved the atmosphere and the competition, and I love the girls we are super close on field and off.” 

Freshman Mia Wetzel and sophomore Ella Wetzel are also members of the softball team. 

Mia Wetzel’s batting average is .267, and her base percentage is .312. She has four hits and singles, two doubles and her fielding percentage is .996. 

“I think the season is going well so far,” Mia Wetzel said. “We struggled a bit in the beginning, but we are getting better every game, and we are doing well right now.” 

Mia Wetzel believes one player will stand out during this season. 

“I think our pitcher, Ella Wetzel, is an overall great player,” Mia Wetzel said. “She is an outstanding pitcher and hitter, so I see her standing out defensively and offensively. She is also a great leader on our team and helps everyone when she can.” 

Ella Wetzel values the cameradie, one of the team’s greatest strong suits. 

“The team’s strengths is that we have a really good community and we are all close with each other and we have a great bond together and the team has been improving our defense especially with communicating with each other on defense,” Ella Wetzel said.

Mia Wetzel’s  position is a catcher, depending upon who is pitching she could play third, but she normally sticks to catching. 

“I’ve played softball since I was young and i’ve always enjoyed just playing the sport in general and I’ve always loved the friends I make through it and I have just always loved playing softball and I joined softball because I like the people there and I like being able to play the sport I love and just being able to play softball and the fun and joy I have while playing it, I love getting to play softball every weekday because I just love the sport and I love the people there and being able to work with the coaches is also an amazing and helpful for helping me grow as a player.”  

Sophomore Ella Wetzel is a pitcher,  pitching 28 innings, pitching 56 strikeouts, 1.2 ERA, and holding a .421 batting average.

“I think our season started off rocky but has progressively gotten better each game and practice and now we are starting to really click offensively and defensively,” Wetzel said.

Ella Wetzel sees other players stepping up this season.

 “I see senior Emily Karst standing out because she is an older leader and has taken huge strides at the plate and the outfield,” Wetzel said.

Wetzel comments on the team’s greatest strong suits. 

“Our team’s strength is probably our camaraderie,” Ella Wetzel said. “We are all so close and get along really well so that makes playing with them everyday super easy. And we definitely worked to improve our defense because at the beginning of the year it was definitely our weak point but I think we are all seeing a steady improvement in it.” 

The team faces Eastern York on their field on Thursday, April 23.